Don’t forget Mom!

I’m sure you’re totally on top of Mother’s Day and have already made plans that include a thoughtful gift, meaningful time, and fun activities for Sunday, May 11. But in case you’re a little behind this year, here are some suggestions (from a Mom) about ways you can spend time with your Mom and share a memorable connection with nature.

Turnbull National Wildlife Refuge:

This destination in the beautiful and often underappreciated landscape in the Channeled Scablands is a haven for migratory birds and wildflowers. They are flourishing out there right now! And with driving routes and hiking options, there’s something for everyone. Managed by the US Fish and Wildlife Service, and lovingly cared for and supported by the Friends of Turnbull, this beautiful getaway provides scenic memories and interpretive information that will help you appreciate the nature around you even more.

If you go:

The refuge is located at 26010 S Smith Rd, Cheney, WA 99004. Save some time before or after your hike or car tour to visit the Refuge headquarters where you can learn more about the animals and plants that live there, and pick up a helpful guidebook or postcard to commemorate the day.

Dress for the weather. Comfortable layers, sun and rain protection, and close-toed shoes. It is tick season so use bug repellant and be sure to check for ticks when you get home.

Palisades Park

Less than 10 minutes from downtown Spokane, this beautiful park has lots of hike options with a wide, flat double-track trail (Rimrock Drive) or more technical single-track that can lead you along the top of the bluff to view the vernal wetlands and listen to the frogs, or take you into the ravine to see the waterfall. Plan ahead, since there are no restrooms at the trailhead and please be responsible with trash. While the balsamroot is nearing its end for the year, the camas is in full bloom, carpeting the ground with a unique purple-y blue. Marmots, eagles, and moose often visit this area as well so keep your eyes open.

If you go:

Trailheads for Palisades Park are off of Greenwood Road and Basalt Street, or Houston Road and Rimrock Drive. Parking is limited and there are no trailhead restrooms so plan accordingly. As with other outdoor spaces, ticks and mosquitoes are prominent this time of year so wear long sleeves and long pants and/or bug repellant. Leashed dogs are allowed in the park.

English Point

Nestled in the forested hills just north of Coeur d’Alene, the English Point trail system in Hayden offers a quiet and accessible escape into nature—perfect for a Mother’s Day stroll. The wide, well-maintained loop trails wind through mixed pine and cedar forest, with gentle terrain and occasional views of Hayden Lake peeking through the trees. It’s a great spot for families, with short and longer loop options, and benches to pause and take in the birdsong. This is a low-key hike that delivers peaceful beauty without the crowds or long drive. Dogs on leash are welcome.

If you go:

The English Point North Trailhead is located off E English Point Road in Hayden, ID. The parking lot is gravel with no restroom facilities, so plan accordingly. Wear sturdy shoes, bring water, and don’t forget the bug spray—it’s tick season, and mosquitoes are starting to show up. This is a forested trail, so layers and sun protection are smart. Wildflowers like trillium and glacier lilies are popping up now, and if you bring binoculars or a bird app like Merlin, you’ll be amazed at the variety of songbirds in the area.

For any of your adventures, consider downloading a few apps to help you make sense of what you may see. My favorite is the Merlin bird app from the Cornell Lab of Ornithology. In addition to allowing you to describe birds you see and figure out what they are, it will listen to bird calls around you to help you decipher who else is sharing your adventure. For non-bird identification, iNaturalist has a comprehensive list of plants, animals, rocks, insects from all over and when you use the app, you also contribute to observational citizen science. Geocaching is an app that provides something of a virtual treasure hunt, with actual caches or special points of interest marked with GPS coordinates, and clues leading you to the goal. And you can never go wrong with a good pair of binoculars!